CAG Lumber

This last weekend, March 22-24, marked the final show of the 2013 Woodworking Show season. I have been both looking forward to and yet regretting the trip to Atlanta because I really like this very unique city and all it has to offer but I also know that it will be our last show on the circuit until the Fall when we begin the 2013-2014 schedule. Hard as it is to admit, I’m a travel junkie.

In keeping with my somewhat normal routine, I spent my arrival day on Thursday exploring a part of the city I’m visiting and found the Atlanta History Center to be just what the doctor ordered. For over 3 hours I studied the impact of the Civil War on the city and its environs, the diverse influence of Folk art in the South as well as the contributions of Georgia on my favorite sport, Golf. A walk through the grounds led me to a Victorian Playhouse built around 1890 and also to Swan House, the 1928 mansion home of Edward and Emily Inman. And no trip would be complete without a down home Southern lunch at Mary Mac’s. All in all, a very satisfying intellectual and gastronomical experience.

The show was held north of the city of Atlanta in Duluth at the Guinnett Center. The hall was completely packed with sales booths and educational seminar areas and attendees filled the remaining available spaces completely each day. There were portable and stationary tools of almost every stripe on display as well as more educational opportunities than one could see even over a full three day attendance. There was also eye candy in the form of wood at the CAG Lumber company. The Honduran Rosewood burls were spectacular and some of the domestic and imported figured stock were just too nice to pass up. If I had driven to this show, I would have purchased to my heart’s content but all I could do was imagine some of that stock in my shop.

One of the most beautiful furniture pieces took the honor of first place at this last weekend’s Project Showcase. Kenneth Kline’s “Hepplewhite Style Table” was the clear winner for a reason. The work was flawless and the finish perfect.

Chuck Roberts entered the second place project, his “Bloodwood Baby Cradle” that was his own design. Like the table, you had to be there to see how well done these pieces were. George North submitted his “Black Leopard”. This was Intarsia at its best and he took third place for his effort. Kenneth’s table will be entered in the grand prize judging to take place in the next couple of weeks. Each of last weekend’s winners received a Bosch tool and all entrants took home a show goody bag.

It was encouraging to see that the Atlanta show added an exclamation point to success of this year’s events. A large part of the credit goes to our new Woodworking Show owner, Bryce Beermann, and his desire to grow the show in both size and stature and make it a true “must see” event. More venues and a new Fall season start are part of his plan. Kudos, too, to the educators and the excellent seminars that have really become a woodworker favorite. Many thanks to the vendors for hanging in there through thick and thin and especially our sponsors for the financial and product support. And for all that the attendees don’t see, we are very grateful to Charlene and Rita and their crew who set up, tear down and generally run everything so smoothly.

Lastly, on a more personal note, thanks to all those who stopped in the WOOD Magazine booth to listen to an old Italian go on and on about the craft he loves so much. I endure all the inconveniences of travel knowing that there will be some smiling, friendly faces waiting in those seats each day. Your enjoyment of our magazine and the person representing it are very much appreciated.

Next year’s season will be here before you know it. Keep an eye out for the announcements at thewoodworkingshows.com and Woodmagazine.com and plan to spend some time with us. We’re very proud of our show. Please come out and see why.